Ski boot accessory

ABSTRACT

A ski boot accessory includes a multi-piece body adaptable to mate with the sole of a range of sizes of ski boots via an adjustment mechanism, wherein the bottom surface of the multi-piece body provides a walking surface including a first sloping surface located at a heel portion of the walking surface and a second sloping surface located at a toe portion of the walking surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a downhill ski bootaccessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protectingthe ski boot sole.

Ski boots are traditionally fabricated from rigid synthetic material ina form designed to rigidly support the user's ankle in a fixed positionrelative to the sole of the foot to enable the skier to exercisepositive control over the action of the skis. Anyone that has walked inski boots knows the inflexible sole and the ankle support makes walkingan uncomfortable experience and knows that ski boots greatly restrictmobility. Loosening the boot clamps enables the foot to move within theboot, but walking with the clamps loosened can cause chafing andblistering of the foot if extended walking is required. In addition,walking in ski boots can cause wear and other damage to the sole of theski boot as well as to the flanges on the front and back of the boots.Wear and damage to the flanges can impact the safety and performance ofthe ski boot, particularly with respect to the boots stability withinthe ski's bindings.

Previous attempts have been made to provide a solution to the problemspresented by walking in ski boots. However, existing solutions have allfallen short. Representative examples are described as follows.

Walking blocks have been used for attachment to shoes. For example, inU.S. Pat. No. 2,810,213 semi-cylindrical blocks have been attached tostreet shoes for purposes of amusement, because the peculiar walkingaction that results from use of the semi cylindrical blocks.

Similarly, walking blocks have also been adapted for use with downhillski boots as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620, in which generallyrectangular blocks are secured to the central portion of the sole of theski boot which enables the skier to walk with a type of rocking motion.However, the small walking blocks taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620 arerelatively unstable, making walking difficult, particularly in slipperyareas, and require frequent attachment and dis-attachment.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,037, a ski boot appliance forimproved traction and wear protection is provided. The disclosedappliance includes heel and to portions with treaded soles. However,while the appliance addresses some of the concerns of protecting the skiboot flanges and sole, the appliance does not improve comfort andmobility, nor is the appliance adapted for use with various boot sizes.

In addition, each of the attempts by existing attempts to solve theproblems discussed herein rely on large and bulky materials orappliances that are not easily carried with the skier when not in use. Auser would make greater use of such devices if the device could moreeasily be carried and stored, particularly if a user is able to containthe device within a pocket or such.

Accordingly, there is a need for a ski boot accessory that providesimproved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole,particularly one that is easily stored when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter addressed herein addresses these issues by providingan adjustable ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility andcomfort while protecting the ski boot sole. In addition, the ski bootaccessory may be easily stored when not in use. For example, in certaincontemplated embodiments, the ski boot accessory may be folded andstored in the pocket of a ski garment when not in use.

In one contemplated embodiment, the ski boot accessory includes twosoles, one sole for each ski boot. Each sole includes two pieces thatare uniquely joined by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strapprovides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes.The surfaces of the sole pieces that interface with the walking surfaceare generally curved to enable the skier to walk with a rocking type ofmotion. In addition, the soles are constructed of a material thatdampens the impact of the boot bottom as it collides with the groundwhen walking The combination of the rocking motion along with thedampening makes the downhill ski boot much easier to get around in. Inaddition, the sole surface may be ribbed to enhance traction whenwalking.

Particularly, the benefits of the claimed subject matter are provided bythe unique combination of elements described herein, including: (1) thecurved sole; (2) the elastomeric binding catch mechanisms; (3) the bootprotector end pieces; (4) the adjustable length strap; (5) the tractionribbing and (6) the manner in which the two soles fit together in arelatively compact form enabling the easier storage and transportation.An example of a ski boot accessory incorporating these elements isdescribed as follows.

The ski boot accessory includes two soles, each of which includes twopieces; a front piece and a back piece. The front and back pieces ofeach sole combine to form a walking surface, which interfaces the groundwhen the skier is walking The shape of the bottom of the sole pieces(i.e., the walking surface) has a large effect on the comfort andmobility of the device in use. Accordingly, the bottom of the solepieces that form the walking surface are generally curved (i.e., convex)at the outer portions and flat towards the center portions to enable theskier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe type of motion

In addition, each of the pieces (e.g., each front piece and each rearpiece) has a unique binding catch mechanism to fit around and secured tothe binding catch portion of the downhill ski boot. In a contemplatedembodiment, the binding catch mechanism is formed integral with the solepieces from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretchof the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms keep the solessnugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot when walking.

The binding catch mechanisms also function to protect the front and rearends of the boot and the binding catch portions. Due to the elastomericmaterial used, the binding catch mechanisms may act as bumpers or shockabsorbers to lessen the impact on the boots from contact to the ski bootaccessory.

Each of the two soles includes two pieces, a front piece and a rearpiece, that are joined together by an adjustable strap. The adjustablestrap enables the two pieces to be moved longitudinally relative to eachother, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall length of the sole.The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodatemultiple boot sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the adjustablestrap is a one-piece element formed unitarily with one of the solepieces (e.g., the front piece or the rear piece) that mates with any oneof a plurality of receiving holes in the corresponding sole piece. Byselecting amongst the plurality of receiving holes, the length may beappropriately varied. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the number ofreceiving holes and the distance between the receiving holes affects theadjustability of the device.

As noted, the ski boot accessory may be formed of an elastic, resilientpolymeric material. The properties of the material used to form the skiboot accessory may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walkingIn addition, the sole bottom may be provided with ribs or other types ofsurface irregularities to provide traction when used to walk.

The ski boot accessory is carefully designed to be able to be folded,each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. Thisunique design feature enables the ski boot accessory to be folded insuch a way as to maximize it compactness so it can be easily stored andtransported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket.

It is therefore It an advantage of the ski boot accessory providedherein to enable a user greater comfort and mobility when walking in skiboots.

It is another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein toprotect the sole and binding catch elements of the ski boot from wearand damage.

It is yet another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein tobe stored compactly.

It is still another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided hereinto be adjustable to a wide range of ski boot sizes.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned byproduction or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages ofthe concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies,instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a ski boot accessory.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in FIG. 1, whereinthe front and back portions are disassembled from each other.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the ski boot accessory shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in FIG. 1, whereinthe ski boot accessory is attached to a ski boot.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ski boot accessory of FIG. 1 whereinthe front and back portions are folded into each other for compactstorage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a ski boot accessory 10. As shown inFIG. 1, the ski boot accessory 10 includes a front piece 12 and a rearpiece 14, which may be joined together via an adjustment mechanism 16 toform a body including a walking surface 18 including traction elements20 along the bottom of the body. As further shown, each of the frontpiece 12 and the rear piece 14 further include a binding catch mechanism22 and boot protector end pieces 24.

The example of the ski boot accessory 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed froman elastic, resilient polymeric material. However, it is contemplatedthat the ski boot accessory 10 may be formed from any number ofmaterials and that the various elements of the ski boot accessory 10 maybe formed from varied materials. For example, certain elements, such asthe walking surface 18 and the boot protector end pieces 24 mayparticularly benefit from being formed from resilient materials. Thebinding catch mechanisms 22 may particularly benefit from being formedof an elastic material. The properties of the material used to form theski boot accessory 10 and particularly that of the walking surface 18may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking For example, itis considered that the ski boot accessory 10 may be formed fromthermoplastic polyurethane, a polyurethane plastic beneficial for itselasticity and resistance to oil, grease and abrasion. Alternatively,thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubbers or other synthetic materialsmay be appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front piece 12 and a rear piece 14 areadjustably joined together by the adjustment mechanism 16. In theexample shown, the adjustment mechanism 16 is an adjustable strap 16including an elongated body 26 which terminates in a catch 28 that mateswith any one of a plurality of receiving holes 30. The catch 28 ispassed through a selected receiving hole 30 to secure the front piece 12and rear piece 14 together. The geometry of the catch 28 creates asecure, yet releasable, engagement between the adjustable strap 16 andthe selected receiving hole 30. By varying the receiving hole 30 withwhich the catch 28 is associated, the length of the ski boot accessory10 may be adjusted to mate with various sized boots 32. Accordingly, theadjustable strap 16 provides for easy length adjustment to accommodatemultiple boot sizes 32. In such an embodiment, the number of receivingholes 30 and the distance between the receiving holes 30 affects theadjustability of the ski boot accessory 10.

In embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable strap 16 is a one-pieceelement formed unitarily with the rear piece 14 and the plurality ofreceiving holes 30 are located in the front piece 12. However, it isunderstood that the adjustable strap 16 may be integrally formed withthe front piece 12 and the receiving holes 30 may be located in the rearpiece 14. Alternatively, the adjustable strap 16 may be provided as anindependent element. For example, the adjustable strap 16 may be formedfrom an adjustable length of fabric (e.g., a fabric loop whose size maybe varied) with receiving holes 30 in both the front piece 12 and rearpiece 14. It is further contemplated that the adjustable strap 16 andreceiving holes 30 are only one example of means for adjusting the sizeof the ski boot accessory 10. For example, the adjustable strap 16 andreceiving holes 30 may instead be replaced by an elastic elementconnecting the front piece 12 and rear piece 14 together. Alternatively,the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 may be replaced byanother adjustable or telescoping element providing adjustment of theoverall length of the ski boot accessory 10. For example, the functionsof the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 may be accomplishedusing slide, buckle or other hook and eye mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front piece 12 and the rear piece 14 may beseparated from each other by disengaging the catch 28 from the receivinghole 30. FIG. 2 also illustrates the specific design of the adjustablestrap 16 of the embodiment pictured. Although shown as separable intodistinct elements, it is understood that other embodiments of the skiboot accessory 10 may not be provided with separable portions, such asthe front portion 12 and rear portion 14.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the walking surface 18 of the ski boot accessory10 is shown. In addition, an elongated receiving slot 34 is shownlocated in the bottom surface of the front piece 12 and oriented in alongitudinal direction indicated by double arrow 35. The elongated body26 of the adjustable strap 16 seats within the receiving slot 34 suchthat the elongated body 26 may be recessed so as to not interfere withthe walking surface 18. As shown, elongated body 26 may be substantiallyentirely received within receiving slot 34.

The geometry of the walking surface 18 has a substantial effect on thecomfort and mobility of the ski boot accessory 10 in use. In the exampleshown in FIGS. 1-5, the bottom of the walking surface 18 is generallycurved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions (e.g., at the heel portionand at the toe portion) and flat towards the center portions to enablethe skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe, type of motion. Moreparticularly, front portion 12 includes a front bottom surface 18 ahaving a substantially flat center portion 19 a and a convexly curvedfront portion 21 a. Rear portion 14 includes a rear bottom surface 18 bhaving a substantially flat center portion 19 b and a convexly curvedrear portion 21 b. This overall convex curvature of walking surface 18may be best seen in the profile view of FIG. 4. As a result, the walkingsurface 18 is described as including a first sloping surface at the toeand a second sloping surface at the heel, even when the two slopingsurfaces are formed by a continuously curved surface.

In the example provided, the middle of the walking surface 18 is a flatsurface which may rest flatly on the ground while the outer edges of thewalking surface 18 slope away from the ground. For example, the flatcenter surface may be approximately one inch wide and the slopingportions may angle up from the ground at an angle of approximately fiveto fifteen degrees. The angled portion of the walking surface 18 may beangled linearly at a single angle or may include several segments angledat different angles (e.g., an inner section angled at five degrees, amiddle section angled at ten degrees and an outer section angled atfifteen degrees). Alternatively, the entirety of the sloping portions,or any one or more segments thereof, may be radiused or otherwisecurved. It is also to be understood that the entirety of the walkingsurface 18 may be sloping or curved.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the walking surface 18 includes a pluralityof traction elements 20. The fraction elements 20 may be ribs or othertypes of surface irregularities that provide traction along the walkingsurface 18 to improve user stability and safety. The location, geometry,pattern, etc. of the traction elements 20 may be varied to meet theexpected conditions in which the ski boot accessory 10 will be used. Forexample, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the tractionelements 20 may include ice spikes or nodules to provide improvedtraction on hard snow and ice.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the ski boot accessory 10 is shown in cooperationwith a ski boot 32. As shown, the binding catch mechanisms 22 fit aroundand secure the ski boot accessory 10 to the binding catch portions 36 ofthe ski boot 32. In the embodiment shown, the binding catch mechanisms22 are formed integrally with the front piece 12 and the rear piece 14from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of theelastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms 22 keep the ski bootaccessory 10 snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot 32. Agrasping portion 38 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5) is provided along theouter edge of the rear piece 14 to provide the user with a convenientplace to grasp the ski boot accessory 10 during attachment and removalfrom a ski boot 32.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the binding catch mechanisms 22 alsoprovide boot protector end pieces 24 to help buffer the binding catchportions 36 of the ski boot 32 from shock and damage. Accordingly, theski boot accessory 10 provides the user with a more comfortable walkingsurface 18 while protecting the ski boot 32, both the ski boot sole 39and the binding catch portions 36, from wear and tear.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ski boot accessory 10 is designed to be able tobe folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzlepieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory 10 tobe folded in such a way as to maximize its compactness so it can beeasily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a skijacket. As shown in FIG. 5, the binding catch mechanisms 22 of the skiboot accessory 10 fold one into the other, to secure the ski bootaccessory 10 in the folded position, wherein substantially flat centerportion 19 a of front bottom surface 18 a is substantially parallel toand non-coplanar with substantially flat center portion 19 b of rearbottom surface 18 b. The flexibility of the adjustment strap 16 enablesthe ski boot accessory 10 to be folded while the front piece 12 and theback piece 14 are joined.

It is contemplated that in embodiments in which the elastomericmaterials are used to form the ski boot accessory 10, various elementsof the ski boot accessory 10 may be reinforced by metal cabling or wiresto increase the ski boot accessory's 10 resistance to wear anddegradation. For example, the adjustable strap 16 and/or the bindingcatch mechanisms 22 may be reinforced. It is further understood thatother materials may be used for reinforcement, such as, for example,other polymeric materials, resilient fabrics or fibers, etc.

Various embellishments and adornments may be provided in the ski bootaccessory 10. For example, it is contemplated that one or more miniaturediode lights may be provided around the edge of the ski boot accessory10 such that the diodes may light on impact or, alternatively, beactivated by a switch.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages.

What is claimed:
 1. A ski boot accessory comprising: a multi-piece bodyincluding a front piece and a rear piece connected by a flexibleadjustment strap having an elongated body and a catch; wherein theadjustment strap protrudes from one of the front piece and the rearpiece and the other of the front piece and the rear piece includes aplurality of receiving holes; wherein the adjustment strap removablymates with one of the plurality of receiving holes; and wherein a bottomsurface of the multi-piece body provides a walking surface including afirst convexly curved portion located at a heel portion of the walkingsurface and a second convexly curved portion located at a toe portion ofthe walking surface.
 2. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein thewalking surface includes an approximately flat surface located betweenthe first convexly curved portion and the second convexly curvedportion.
 3. The ski boot accessory of claim 2 wherein the first slopingsurface and the second sloping surface form an angle with theapproximately flat surface of between approximately five degrees andfifteen degrees.
 4. The ski boot accessory of claim 2 wherein the firstsloping surface and the second sloping surface are generally curved. 5.The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the multi-piece body includesa first binding catch mechanism associated with the front piece and asecond binding catch mechanism associated with the rear piece.
 6. Theski boot accessory of claim 5 wherein the second binding catch mechanismassociated with the rear piece includes a grasping portion.
 7. The skiboot accessory of claim 1 wherein the walking surface includes aplurality of traction elements, and the multi-piece body includes aplurality of diode lights.
 8. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 whereinthe multi-piece body is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane.
 9. Theski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the multi-piece body is foldableinto a folded position such that the heel portion and the toe portion ofthe walking surface are brought closer together.
 10. The ski bootaccessory of claim 9 wherein the multi-piece body includes a firstbinding catch mechanism associated with the front piece and a secondbinding catch mechanism associated with the rear piece, and wherein themulti-piece body is securable in the folded position by folding one ofthe first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanisminto the other of the first binding catch mechanism and the secondbinding catch mechanism.
 11. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 whereinthe other of the front piece and the rear piece which includes theplurality of receiving holes further includes a bottom surface and areceiving slot in the bottom surface, the receiving slot being sized andconfigured to receive a majority of the elongated body of the adjustmentstrap.
 12. The ski boot accessory of claim 11 wherein the receiving slotis sized and configured to receive substantially all of the elongatedbody of the adjustment strap.
 13. The ski boot accessory of claim 1wherein each of the first and second convexly curved portions arecontinuously curved.
 14. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein anentirety of the bottom surface is curved.
 15. A ski boot accessorycomprising: a front piece including a first binding catch mechanism anda first bottom surface having a substantially flat first center portion;a rear piece including a second binding catch mechanism and a secondbottom surface having a substantially flat second center portion; and aflexible adjustment strap for connecting the front piece to the rearpiece in any one of a plurality of positions such that the front pieceand the rear piece form a body that is securable to the sole of a skiboot by the first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catchmechanism; wherein the first and second bottom surfaces of the frontpiece and rear piece form a walking surface including a first slopingsurface and a second sloping surface; wherein the front piece and therear piece are movable relative to each other into a folded positionwherein the substantially flat first center portion and thesubstantially flat second center portion are substantially parallel toeach other and non-coplanar; and wherein the flexible adjustment strapis configured to bend to thereby maintain connection between the frontpiece and the rear piece in both the folded position and an unfoldedposition.
 16. The ski boot accessory of claim 15 wherein the walkingsurface further includes an approximately flat surface located betweenthe first sloping surface and the second sloping surface wherein thefirst sloping surface and the second sloping surface form an angle withthe approximately flat surface of between approximately five degrees andfifteen degrees.
 17. A ski boot accessory comprising: a front pieceincluding a first walking surface and a first binding catch mechanism; arear piece including a second walking surface, a second binding catchmechanism and a grasping portion; a plurality of receiving holes and anelongated receiving slot on one of the front piece and the rear piece,the elongated receiving slot being oriented in a longitudinal direction;and an adjustment strap oriented in the longitudinal direction on theother of the front piece and the rear piece, the adjustment strapincluding an elongated body and a catch, the elongated body beingconfigured to be substantially entirely received in the elongatedreceiving slot, and the catch being configured to releasably engage oneof the plurality of receiving holes to thereby connect the front pieceto the rear piece.
 18. The ski boot accessory of claim 17 wherein thefront piece and rear piece are foldable into a folded position, and aresecured in the folded position via engagement between the first bindingcatch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanism.
 19. The ski bootaccessory of claim 18 wherein the flexible adjustment strap isconfigured to flex to thereby maintain connection between the frontpiece and the rear piece in both the folded position and an unfoldedposition.
 20. The ski boot accessory of claim 17 wherein the firstwalking surface and the second walking surface include a plurality oftraction elements, the elongated body being substantially entirelyreceived in the elongated receiving slot, and the catch releasablyengaging one of the plurality of receiving holes to thereby connect thefront piece to the rear piece.